Welcome to ELI, the podcast where we bring you conversations with India's most innovative founders. In this episode, we delve into the booming coworking industry with Sparsh Khandelwal, the founder and CEO of Stylework Workspaces, a leading flexible workspace aggregator in India. Join us as we explore Sparsh's entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of coworking in India, and how Stylework is leveraging technology and AI to shape the future of work.**Chapters:**(00:00) Introduction(00:26) Sparsh's Background and Early Entrepreneurial Journey(01:51) First Venture: Modular Products and Pod Hotels(04:39) The Genesis of Stylework Workspaces(05:41) Pivoting and Building a Technology-Driven Platform(06:33) Stylework's Core Offering: Aggregating Coworking Spaces(07:51) Partnering with Coworking Space Providers(08:33) The Need for a Coworking Aggregator(09:59) Managing Check-ins Across Multiple Locations with Technology and AI(12:12) Providing Space Management Software to Operators(12:51) Geolocational and QR Code-Based Check-in Technologies(13:42) The Evolution of Coworking in India: From Bubble to Boom(15:14) India as the #1 Coworking Market Globally(16:54) The Rise of Managed Offices and Global Capability Centers (GCCs)(17:53) Success Stories: How Stylework Helps Coworking Spaces Grow(21:26) Leveraging AI in the Coworking Space with Flex AI(22:32) AI-Powered Space Discovery and Personalized Recommendations(24:03) Showing External Amenities Near Coworking Centers with AI(25:21) The Future of Flex AI in Stylework(25:52) Why India is Now the #1 Coworking Market in the World(26:47) The Role of Human Resources and Global Capability Centers(28:25) India's Talent Pool as a Driving Force(28:49) Conclusion and Thank You#coworking #india #futureofwork #entrepreneurship #podcast #AI #technology #startups #stylework #sparhandelwal #ELIpodd

In this episode of ELI, we sit down with Harinie Sekaran, the founder of Leadle Consulting, a Go-to-Market consulting firm that has helped over 500+ B2B companies build predictable, profitable revenue engines without hiring large sales teams.Harinie breaks down the evolution of outbound sales, from the days of cold calling and field visits to today's tech-driven landscape. We explore why generating pipeline is harder than ever and how a "back to basics" human-centric approach, augmented by AI, is the key to standing out.Dive deep into the strategies that are working right now, including multi-channel outreach, leveraging "signals" for personalization, the role of AI in sales, and how to build integrated GTM playbooks that actually deliver results.If you're a founder, sales leader, or anyone struggling with sales ops, this episode is packed with actionable insights to transform your process.Chapters(00:00) Intro: Meet Harinie Sekaran, Founder of Leadle(00:31) Harinie's Accidental Journey into Entrepreneurship(06:00) The Evolution of B2B Sales: From Cold Calls to Modern Tech(08:02) Why Sales is Harder Today & The Return to Basics(10:00) The Real Impact of AI on Sales Teams (It's Not What You Think)(14:24) Using "Signals" to Supercharge Your Outreach(17:25) Do Cold Calls Still Work in 2025?(19:43) Is Email a Low ROI Channel?(22:48) Leveraging WhatsApp for B2B Sales(25:16) The Power of Personalized Video in Sales(27:07) Why Account-Based Marketing is Now for Everyone(30:16) The Constant Challenge of CRM Management(32:29) Building Integrated Go-To-Market (GTM) Playbooks(35:21) Using AI for Call Analysis & Next-Level Sales Coaching(39:16) The Future of Sales: Adapting to Technology & AI(42:29) Outro & How to Connect

Ever wondered how brands go viral in today's digital age? In this episode of ELI podcast, we sit down with Himanshu Singla, the visionary CEO & Co-Founder of Idiotic Media, one of India's leading influencer and meme marketing agencies!Himanshu is at the forefront of transforming traditional marketing, focusing on meme marketing, influencer marketing, and cutting-edge content strategies that resonate with modern audiences. With over 7 years of experience steering Idiotic Media to success, he shares invaluable insights on:- The art and science behind viral content: How do memes become powerful marketing tools?- Navigating the influencer landscape: What does it take to create impactful, data-driven influencer campaigns?- Building a bootstrapped empire: Lessons learned from 6.5 years of building Idiotic Media from the ground up.- The future of digital marketing: What trends should brands and marketers be paying attention to?Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a marketing professional, or simply curious about how the internet shapes consumer behavior, this conversation with Himanshu Singla is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.About Himanshu Singla:Himanshu Singla is the CEO & Co-Founder of Idiotic Media, a pioneering agency specializing in new-age marketing, including meme and influencer marketing. He's passionate about replacing old-age marketing tactics with innovative, engaging strategies. Prior to Idiotic Media, he co-founded Movense Entertainment, a virtual reality video sharing platform, and served as CTO at Creatify Web Services, focusing on digital technology and marketing.#HimanshuSingla #IdioticMedia #Podcast #Marketing #DigitalMarketing #InfluencerMarketing #MemeMarketing #ContentMarketing #Entrepreneurship #Startup #India #Business #ViralMarketing #NewAgeMarketing #Innovation #PodcastName #[YourPodcastName]

This episode of ELI features Rohit Sethi, the founder of Seclude, a chain of unique homestays and boutique resorts across India. Rohit shares his entrepreneurial journey, from being a chartered accountant to building a successful hospitality business focused on offbeat locations. He discusses the evolution of the homestay industry in India, the target audience for Seclude, their technology usage, operational aspects, challenges faced, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction0:35 - Rohit Sethi's Background and Early Ventures1:15 - The Genesis of Seclude3:48 - Growth of Seclude and Meeting the Partner5:36 - Evolution of the Homestay Industry in India6:54 - Seclude's Unique Positioning (Beyond Just Homestays)9:20 - Target Audience and Discovery of Seclude12:48 - Leveraging Technology in Seclude14:50 - Operational Aspects and Staff Management18:18 - Financial Challenges and the Asset-Light Model21:36 - Biggest Challenges Faced Over the Years23:38 - Current Trends in the Vacation Rental Industry26:22 - Thoughts on India's Tourism Costs28:14 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Tourism30:34 - Conclusion

In this episode of Eli Podcast, we delve into the entrepreneurial journey of Anand, the founder of Ignite Solutions, a software development firm based in Pune. With over three decades of experience in the tech industry, Anand shares his background, from his masters in computer science to his experiences in the US and the eventual founding of Ignite Solutions.We explore Ignite Solutions' evolution from a product company to a professional services firm focused on product development, catering primarily to US-based startups. Anand also introduces their exciting new AI-powered product, Chhatur G, designed to enhance teamwork and collaboration for small and mid-sized businesses by positioning AI as an active team member.The conversation dives deep into Anand's perspective on the current AI wave, discussing its potential impact on jobs and the importance of embracing AI for both individuals and enterprises. He shares insightful thoughts on the rapid advancement of AI technology and the need for continuous upskilling.Finally, Anand offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the technology space, emphasizing the importance of validating ideas and leveraging the power of modern technological tools.Tune in to learn about building scalable solutions, the future of AI in business, and practical advice for navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape!Chapters:0:00 Intro0:03 Introduction of Anand, Founder of Ignite Solutions0:39 Anand's Background and Entrepreneurial Journey1:00 About Ignite Solutions: Product Development Services2:06 Introducing Chhatur G: AI for Team Collaboration2:45 Early Career and Learning from Startups4:06 Consulting Experience and Return to India5:20 Founding Ignite Solutions: Initial Product Idea6:32 Pivoting to Services and Finding Success7:22 Exploring Other Product Ideas7:56 The Genesis of Chhatur G: Addressing Team AI Challenges8:23 Ignite Solutions as the Mothership Funding Chhatur G8:44 The Overhype and Reality of AI9:25 Anand's Perspective on AI as a Technologist10:23 AI is Here to Stay: Embracing the Change11:48 Resistance to Fully Embracing AI in the Workplace12:31 Internal Success with AI Tools at Ignite Solutions12:59 AI for Pattern Matching and its Potential Impact14:21 Exponential Growth of AI Capabilities15:43 Embracing the Fast-Flowing River of AI16:24 Moore's Law and the Rapid Pace of AI Development16:57 The Need for Continuous Upskilling in the Age of AI17:16 Anxiety and the Rapid Changes in Technology18:25 Market Adoption of AI and Potential Step Changes19:36 The Future of Work and Life with AI20:33 AI Replacing Jobs vs. Human Adaptation21:36 The Importance of Common Sense and Smart Thinking21:59 AI's Strength in Pattern Matching and Weakness in Novel Problems23:16 Using AI as a Brainstorming Partner for New Challenges24:43 Engineering Education: Learning to Attack Problems25:31 AI as a Tool to Help Humans Solve Problems26:06 Introducing Chhatur G in Detail26:21 The Hypothesis Behind the Name "Chhatur G"27:22 Chhatur G as a Supportive and Intelligent Assistant28:03 The Mascot of Chhatur G29:00 Combining Multiple AI Models in Chhatur G29:23 The Challenges of Merging Different AI Models30:02 Chhatur G's Agentic Approach to Model Selection30:43 Balancing Speed, Cost, and Value in AI Responses31:28 Observing and Refining AI Responses31:51 Target Audience for Chhatur G: Knowledge-Based Companies32:38 Focusing on Small and Mid-Sized Businesses33:16 Companies Where Knowledge Work and Collaboration are Key33:44 Example of Knowledge Flow in a Company34:16 Chhatur G's "Room" Concept for Organized Knowledge34:52 Asking Questions within the Context of a Room35:24 Using Rooms for Different Projects and Information35:54 Concerns about Data Security with AI Tools36:40 Data Sovereignty and Sensitive Information

In this insightful episode of ELI (Entrepreneur Lounge of India), host Priyaranjan Mohanty sits down with Vikas Nawal, the CEO and Founder of Interspace Communications, a leading media and communication agency in India.Vikas shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his roots in Pilani to building a successful agency competing with multinational giants. He dives deep into the evolution of media spending in India over the last few decades, the impact of technology, the rise of digital and political marketing, and his predictions for the future of the advertising and media industry.Chapters:00:00 Intro00:33 Introduction of Vikas Nawal and his background01:00 Early life and inspiration for entrepreneurship01:45 Journey into the advertising and media industry02:33 The appeal of the advertising industry04:08 Starting with Out-of-Home advertising05:47 Moving to larger agencies and diversified learning06:23 Leadership role at DDB Mudra and the shift to entrepreneurship07:48 Learning financial aspects and business head responsibilities08:10 The right time to take the entrepreneurial plunge09:36 Mindset and motivation for work11:18 Challenging the existing framework in the industry12:10 Funding a business and the importance of mentorship13:21 Building a sustainable business takes time14:10 The easiest thing is to get a million dollars with the right proposition15:17 Clarity on the type of investors and their expectations16:10 The challenge of a zero differentiator business in the media industry16:44 Taking the entrepreneur plunge in a market dominated by giants17:15 The gap: Delivering integrated communication solutions faster18:57 Agility and client-first approach19:37 Building Interspace step-by-step22:37 Starting as an Out-of-Home agency and gradual expansion24:57 Focusing on younger talent and investing in them26:17 Acquiring a traditional media agency for full-service offerings27:03 The 10-year plan for sustainable growth27:42 Being a profitable and debt-free setup28:21 The changing media landscape: Split between creative and media agencies29:03 Evolution of agency commissions29:40 Skill sets required for media and creative businesses30:55 Evolution of creative agencies and their offerings31:34 Changes in the media landscape and emergence of new media32:19 Rise of experiential marketing and shopper marketing32:56 Out-of-Home advertising as a function of real estate34:05 Evolution of the media mix34:48 Interspace's evolution alongside the changing media landscape35:21 The impact of COVID on digital adoption36:44 Digital Out-of-Home advertising: Opportunities and challenges40:18 Political Marketing in India: Evolution and Trends41:26 General ad spend during elections and the shift to brand campaigns44:24 Increased stakes and funding in political campaigns44:52 Professional agencies and focus on brand value45:47 Learning from US elections and the power of perception46:29 The common narrative of nationalism47:09 Focusing on brand value over manifesto47:49 Political campaigns turning into brand campaigns48:34 Investing in brand building vs. product campaigns49:05 Utilizing the plethora of media options49:47 Catering to diverse demographics across multiple platforms50:31 Shift from Delhi-centric campaign planning to trial and testing51:09 Experimenting with different media and the role of local languages51:43 Professionalism and focus on ROI in political campaigns52:18 Hiring top talent and strategic planning52:57 Driven by ROI and implementing proper structures53:39 Elections as major events with significant spending54:20 Radical shift in mindset and approach to campaigns54:43 Role of consultants in understanding local dynamics55:31 Crafting local and national content specific to each media55:53 The future of media and advertisement industry and the impact of new technology56:14 Challenges with the decline of traditional search and rise of chat-based search

In this episode of ELI, we delve into the fascinating journey of Entod Pharmaceuticals, a leading international research company with over four decades of expertise in ophthalmology, ENT, and dermatology. Host Priyaranjan Mohanty sits down with Mr. Nikkhil K. Masurkar, the CEO of Entod, to explore the company's rich history, its evolution from a contract manufacturer to a research-driven innovator, and India's burgeoning role in the global pharmaceutical landscape.Mr. Masurkar shares insights into his early life, his education in pharmacy and research in the UK, and how he brought that knowledge back to India to propel Entod forward. We discuss the vision of his grandfather, the founder, and how Entod's specialization in niche segments is addressing the growing healthcare needs in India.Discover the inside story of pharmaceutical research and development in India, the intricacies of clinical trials and regulatory approvals, and Entod's commitment to bringing innovative and affordable medicines to patients. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the pharmaceutical industry, entrepreneurship in healthcare, and India's journey towards becoming a global pharma leader.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to ELI and Guest Mr. Nikkhil K. Masurkar00:43 Nikkhil K. Masurkar's Early Life and Background01:28 Joining and Growing Entod Pharmaceuticals02:29 The Evolution and Founding Story of Entod (1977-2025)03:59 The Meaning Behind Entod's Name and Logo04:25 Entod's Early Days as a Contract Manufacturer05:06 Transitioning to Own Brands and R&D in the Early 2000s05:47 Internationalizing the Business and Current Focus06:49 Learnings from Studying Pharmacy and Research in the UK07:58 India's Growing Strength in Pharmacy and Medicine Post-COVID09:15 India as the "Pharmacy of the World" and the Shift Towards R&D10:32 India's R&D Ecosystem and Future Growth in Pharma12:38 Specializing in Ophthalmology, ENT, and Dermatology: The Rationale13:56 Increasing Stress on Senses Due to Modern Lifestyles15:14 India's Success Story in the Ophthalmology Industry16:46 Accessibility and Affordability of Eye Care in India17:55 Factors Driving the Success of Ophthalmology in India19:43 Expansion and Future of Eye Care and ENT in India21:03 Continued Need and Potential in Ophthalmology21:39 Entod's Investment and Logistics in R&D22:21 Cost-Effectiveness of R&D in India22:50 Clinical Trials and Regulatory Approval Process in India (CDSCO)23:26 Developing World-First Therapies in India24:02 Untapped Potential of the Indian Domestic Pharma Market24:25 Entod's Focus on World-First Therapies for Global South25:41 Timeline for Developing and Launching a New Medicine26:25 Credibility and Value of Regulatory Approvals in India27:06 Marketing and Distribution Logistics for Pharmaceutical Products in India27:42 Role of Medical Representatives and Field Force28:11 Academic Support and Events in Ophthalmology, ENT, and Dermatology29:06 Shifting from Foreign-Led to India-Led Academic Events29:21 Reaching Out to Patients and Raising Disease Awareness30:15 Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs in the Healthcare Sector30:57 Identifying Unmet Healthcare Needs Specific to India31:33 Importance of a Research and Innovation Mindset32:12 Innovate and Take Calculated Risks for Long-Term Success33:00 Closing Remarks and Thank You to Mr. Nikkhil K. Masurkar33:23 Thank You and End

In this episode of ELI, we delve into the fascinating journey of Entod Pharmaceuticals, a leading international research company with over four decades of expertise in ophthalmology, ENT, and dermatology. Host Priyaranjan Mohanty sits down with Mr. Nikkhil K. Masurkar, the CEO of Entod, to explore the company's rich history, its evolution from a contract manufacturer to a research-driven innovator, and India's burgeoning role in the global pharmaceutical landscape.Mr. Masurkar shares insights into his early life, his education in pharmacy and research in the UK, and how he brought that knowledge back to India to propel Entod forward. We discuss the vision of his grandfather, the founder, and how Entod's specialization in niche segments is addressing the growing healthcare needs in India.Discover the inside story of pharmaceutical research and development in India, the intricacies of clinical trials and regulatory approvals, and Entod's commitment to bringing innovative and affordable medicines to patients. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the pharmaceutical industry, entrepreneurship in healthcare, and India's journey towards becoming a global pharma leader.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to ELI and Guest Mr. Nikkhil K. Masurkar00:43 Nikkhil K. Masurkar's Early Life and Background01:28 Joining and Growing Entod Pharmaceuticals02:29 The Evolution and Founding Story of Entod (1977-2025)03:59 The Meaning Behind Entod's Name and Logo04:25 Entod's Early Days as a Contract Manufacturer05:06 Transitioning to Own Brands and R&D in the Early 2000s05:47 Internationalizing the Business and Current Focus06:49 Learnings from Studying Pharmacy and Research in the UK07:58 India's Growing Strength in Pharmacy and Medicine Post-COVID09:15 India as the "Pharmacy of the World" and the Shift Towards R&D10:32 India's R&D Ecosystem and Future Growth in Pharma12:38 Specializing in Ophthalmology, ENT, and Dermatology: The Rationale13:56 Increasing Stress on Senses Due to Modern Lifestyles15:14 India's Success Story in the Ophthalmology Industry16:46 Accessibility and Affordability of Eye Care in India17:55 Factors Driving the Success of Ophthalmology in India19:43 Expansion and Future of Eye Care and ENT in India21:03 Continued Need and Potential in Ophthalmology21:39 Entod's Investment and Logistics in R&D22:21 Cost-Effectiveness of R&D in India22:50 Clinical Trials and Regulatory Approval Process in India (CDSCO)23:26 Developing World-First Therapies in India24:02 Untapped Potential of the Indian Domestic Pharma Market24:25 Entod's Focus on World-First Therapies for Global South25:41 Timeline for Developing and Launching a New Medicine26:25 Credibility and Value of Regulatory Approvals in India27:06 Marketing and Distribution Logistics for Pharmaceutical Products in India27:42 Role of Medical Representatives and Field Force28:11 Academic Support and Events in Ophthalmology, ENT, and Dermatology29:06 Shifting from Foreign-Led to India-Led Academic Events29:21 Reaching Out to Patients and Raising Disease Awareness30:15 Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs in the Healthcare Sector30:57 Identifying Unmet Healthcare Needs Specific to India31:33 Importance of a Research and Innovation Mindset32:12 Innovate and Take Calculated Risks for Long-Term Success33:00 Closing Remarks and Thank You to Mr. Nikkhil K. Masurkar33:23 Thank You and End

In this episode of ELI, we host Samir Mathur, the Managing Director of ROInet, a company building India's largest last-mile financial services network. Learn about Samir's journey from a transferable job background and MBA at MIT Sloan to tackling the crucial issue of financial inclusion in India.We delve into:The inspiration behind ROInet and the research done at MIT and Harvard.The definition and current state of financial inclusion in India.How ROInet built a massive network of 4 crore customers and 3.78 lakh service points through a partner-driven model.The challenges faced in onboarding and training partners across diverse regions.ROInet's strategy for leveraging technology, including localization and AI chatbots.The future of financial inclusion in India and ROInet's evolving role.Valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to solve India's real problems.Tune in to hear Samir's insightful perspectives on entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and building a business that impacts millions of lives in India.#FinancialInclusion #IndiaStartup #Entrepreneurship #ROInet #Fintech #Podcast #BusinessJourney #StartupStory #ELIChapters:0:00 Introduction to Samir Mathur and ROInet0:39 Samir's Background and Journey to Entrepreneurship3:28 The Genesis of ROInet and Financial Inclusion4:48 Research Insights on Financial Inclusion in India8:11 Comparing Wealth Distribution in the US and India9:01 Is Per Capita Income a True Measure of Development?11:17 Positive Changes and Progress in India12:21 Defining Financial Inclusion and India's Progress15:43 ROInet's Massive Customer Base and Network16:49 The Partner-Driven Model of ROInet Explained20:16 Deep Dive into ROInet's Service Points: Operations and Services22:48 Challenges Faced in Onboarding and Managing Partners25:00 Localizing Digital Products and Leveraging Technology27:20 The Future of Financial Inclusion in India and ROInet's Evolution31:11 Advice for Entrepreneurs on Solving India's Problems34:17 Closing Remarks and Thank You

Join us for an insightful conversation with Saurabh Marda, co-founder of Freyr Energy, a leading rooftop solar company in India. Saurabh shares his journey into the booming solar sector, the reasons behind its recent surge in India, and Freyr Energy's unique approach to making solar accessible for homes and businesses. Discover common misconceptions about solar power, the impressive payback periods, and Saurabh's vision for India's clean energy future beyond solar. A must-watch for anyone interested in renewable energy and India's sustainable development!